Looking for Affluent area with great nature? (Winston-Salem, Asheville: low crime, homes)

[islandsunshine]

Planning to relocate for retirement. We are looking for an upscale, low crime, great nature hikes (prefer mountains). We love old homes to renovate. Thanks for any ideas

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by islandsunshine

Planning to relocate for retirement. We are looking for an upscale, low crime, great nature hikes (prefer mountains). We love old homes to renovate. Thanks for any ideas

My top suggestion is Blowing Rock, NC. Homes there along the Blue Ridge Parkway have gotten very expensive but the area is so beautiful. And the little town itself is charming. Many places to hike and camp in that area

[islandsunshine]

PS also looking for a art type of community. Thanks!

[hapaleeretired]

If it is affluence you want take a look at Highlands. Waynesville is an option as well as Asheville.

[mm34b]

My pick is Highlands, NC area too, but Hapaleeretired beat me to it. According to the last census, eight years ago the value of the average home in North Carolina was $108,300, but in Highlands it was $220,600. Who know what the difference is now, but I bet it's even more striking today for such a small mountain community (Pop. 909) surrounded by a national forest.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f6/NCMap-doton-Highlands.PNG (broken link)

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by islandsunshine

PS also looking for a art type of community. Thanks!

If you want arts, you cannot beat Asheville - there are something like 4000 artists living in the area - it's great. Lots of upscale areas. If you like the old historic stuff, check out Montford near town, or some of the beautiful old neighborhoods to the north like Norwood Park of Grove Park. You will love this town, I guarantee it.

[Apple Annie]

Nice little town called: Linville NC Google it. Very pricey. Or, Old Salem which is in Winston-Salem. Google it also. Lots of history and beauty.

[islandsunshine]

Thanks everyone! Yourr ideas have been great. I copied everything down so I can relay the messages. He'll have some places to look at when he goes down to visit.

Thanks!